Best Movies to Watch With Teens

Movies offer a wonderful way to bond with your family, but finding the right balance of age-appropriate and entertaining can be a struggle. To help, we’ve curated a list of 30 of the best movies to watch with your teenagers. From timeless classics to festive holiday movies, we’ve got you covered with all the fun (yet appropriate) modern recommendations.

An ideal family movie strikes a thoughtful balance of relatability and entertainment that can resonate with all age groups. This means movies that are fun for parents, while providing subtle, age-appropriate lessons that resonate with teens. Whether you’re looking for movies to watch on your family movie night or your teen’s sleepover, this list has loads of options!

Comedy Movies for Teens

1. Clueless (1995): This coming-of-age teen comedy movie follows Cher Horowitz, a wealthy and fashionable high school student, as she plays matchmaker for her friends while navigating her own adolescence. Cher is initially perceived as vain and superficial, but she ultimately demonstrates enough depth and loyalty to win over the audience (enough for the film to win 6 awards!). This is a great movie to watch with teens, as it encourages them not to judge others at first glance, and to value kindness over popularity and looks. PG-13.
2. Sierra Burgess Is A Loser (2018): Sierra, a socially outcast highschool student, starts an online relationship with a popular boy who mistakes her for someone else. Throughout the movie, she confronts themes of honesty and self-worth. This is a great movie to watch with teens as it discusses body image, self-worth, and valuing others for more than their appearances. PG-13.
3. Can’t Buy Me Love (1987): My mom used to love this movie (and any other movie with Patrick Dempsey!). Ronald, a socially awkward high school boy, pays a popular cheerleader, Cindy, to pose as his girlfriend to boost his social status. Throughout the movie, the two realize that genuine love can’t be bought, and high school popularity doesn’t matter as much as being true to yourself! PG-13.
4. Pitch Perfect (2012): Instead of high school, this movie follows a college student named Beca as she joins an acapella group. Throughout the movie, the girls in the group learn to overcome their differences and embrace their talents and uniquenesses. This would be great for a teenager looking forward to college, or anyone who struggles finding confidence with their individuality. PG-13.
5. Napoleon Dynamite (2004): This is the most quotable movie of all time! Napoleon, the eccentric main character, helps his high school friend run for class president. It’s a great movie to watch with your teens because it celebrates individual strength (and it’s super funny!). Rated PG.
6. Juno (2007): Juno, a high school student, becomes unexpectedly pregnant and decides to give the baby up for adoption. She then builds a close relationship with the adoptive parents, and learns valuable lessons about maturity. I think teenagers should watch this movie as an educational (yet humorous) way to learn responsibility, especially for serious topics like pregnancy and parenthood. PG-13.

Horror Movies to Watch with Teens

1. Poltergeist (1982): The Freelings, an average California family, are terrorized by spirits that kidnapped their youngest daughter through their TV screen. They learn the haunting history of their home while trying to save their daughter, experiencing the horrors of the supernatural along the way. Through the scary scenes, there’s beneficial themes such as loyalty, family dynamics, and courage, making it a great movie to watch with your teenagers. Rated PG.
2. The Ring (2002): In this movie, a journalist named Rachel Keller investigates the origin of a videotape that kills any of its viewers exactly seven days after viewing it. She races against time, trying to save herself and her son from the videotape’s claws. As a psychological horror, there are plenty of lessons about the consequences of curiosity and fear. PG-13.
3. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984): The “nightmare” in this movie is Freddy Krueger, a terrifying disfigured man who haunts a group of teens in their dreams. As the group struggles to stay awake, they try to learn the history of Freddy to stop him from claiming more victims. This movie blends psychological and supernatural horror, making a thought provoking statement on the power of the mind. Rated R, though usually considered suitable for 12 and up.
4. Get Out (2017): Chris, a young black man, attends a weekend getaway with his white girlfriend’s family. As he gets increasingly uncomfortable with their behavior, he ultimately learns their true intentions. This movie handles complicated issues of race and societal expectations, though it may be unsuitable for younger teens. Rated R for cursing and violence; usually considered suitable for teens above 15.
5. The Sixth Sense (1996): A child psychologist named Malcolm Crowe investigates a young boy, Cole, who can communicate with the dead. As Cole slowly learns to trust and open up to Malcolm, the plot twists in an unforgettable way. This is a great movie to watch with your teenagers because it explores the themes of trauma, trust, and emotional growth. It also serves as an important reminder that death and grief are natural parts of life. PG-13.
6. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978): The residents of a small town all start to change, becoming emotionless versions of themselves. Our protagonist, Michael Bennel, discovers that they’re being replaced by alien replicas of themselves, and tries to stop them before he gets replaced. The themes of individuality, conformity, and identity make this movie a great watch for families with teenagers. Rated PG.

Best Drama/Romance Movies

1. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012): This was one of my favorite movies growing up, and it still makes me nostalgic. Charlie, a freshman in high school, confronts his painful past through his relationship with two seniors, Sam and Patrick. Through the new experiences they introduce him to, Charlie learns to accept himself. For any teens struggling with mental health or forming friendships, especially those just starting high school, this would be a valuable watch. PG-13.
2. Love, Simon (2018): Protagonist Simon Spier has an online crush on another boy named Blue. As this relationship is threatened with exposure, Simon struggles with self-acceptance and the challenges of coming out as gay to his friends and family. Simon’s journey of self-discovery and acceptance is a great lesson for teens, especially those in the LGBT community. PG-13.
3. Paper Towns (2015): Quentin (aka Q) has had a crush on Margo for years. When she mysteriously disappears one day, leaving a trail of clues for Q and his friends to find her, their road trip takes them on a journey of understanding the identities and perceptions of others. Watching this movie with your teenagers can help them understand that people are more complex than our internal perceptions of them. PG-13.
4. Rebel Without a Cause (1955): This is the oldest movie on this list, and is an interesting look into pop culture of the past! Jim Stark, a high school student who recently moved to a new town, navigates his struggles with identity with his fellow misfit friends, Judy and Plato. This movie is the original coming-of-age drama, and it’s a great watch for any teens struggling with their identities and places in the wider world around them. PG-13.
5. Friday Night Lights (2004): This movie is for those who like sports! A local high school football team from Dillon, Texas, navigates the pressure to win games while struggling with the personal and familial issues of adolescence. Taking place through the perspective of their coach, Eric, this movie teaches loyalty, teamwork, and sustainably pursuing one’s goals. PG-13.
6. Akeelah and the Bee (2006): The titular character Akeelah is an 11-year-old girl who dreams of winning the Spelling Bee. As she navigates a strained relationship with her mother and doubts about her abilities from those around her, this heartwarming movie is a great lesson in perseverance and finding inner confidence to reach your goals. Rated PG.

Best Holiday Movies

1. Elf (2003): What would you do if a strange elf came to your doorstep, claiming to be your son? Buddy, an elf raised at the North Pole, does exactly that. This movie combines humor with heart, following Buddy’s struggle to adapt to the ways of the people around him, while his newfound family and friends also struggle to accept him (though they eventually do!). It’s an uplifting reminder to stay true to yourself! Rated PG.
2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000): Though there are a few iterations of the classic Dr. Seuss book, the 2000 version with Jim Carrey is the funniest! This movie takes a modern look at the Grinch, expanding on the story to include a more heartwarming relationship between the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who. It’s a great lesson in accepting others despite their physical differences and the importance of found family. Rated PG.
3. Nightmare Before Christmas (1993): My family watches this movie twice a year, and we never get tired of it! A cross between a Halloween and Christmas movie, this film follows a skeleton man named Jack as he navigates the pressure of being the Pumpkin King while also having a curiosity toward the neighboring Christmas Town. Through dark animation, whimsical music, and dramatic storylines, this movie teaches a valuable lesson about self-acceptance through the changes of adolescence. Rated PG.
4. Practical Magic (1998): Sisters Sally and Gillian are witches; their whole bloodline is that of magic. However, a family curse threatens the men they love, and the sisters must use their bond and inner strength to overcome the magical forces. This is a great movie to watch with teenagers as it explores themes of family, love, and empowerment. PG-13.
5. Hocus Pocus (1993): This Halloween comedy follows Max, a high schooler who accidentally resurrects three witch sisters in Salem. He and his friends navigate adolescent relationships as they fight to stop the sisters from stealing the lives of children to feed their immortality. Rated PG.
6. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973): As all of the classic Peanuts gang invite themselves to Charlie Brown’s house, he scrambles to find a dinner spread, but leaves his friends disappointed. This adorable movie details the importance of generosity and being with your friends and family regardless of material goods. Rated G/All ages.

Animated Movies to Watch with Teens

1. Coraline (2009): Coraline and her family just moved to a new, creepy house. Coraline’s parents are too busy with work to pay attention to her. When a special key leads her to a secret hallway, the “Other Mother” tempts Coraline to give up her life for a fake life of luxury, teaching Coraline to value what she has instead of wishing for more. Rated PG.
2. Wolfwalkers (2020): Robyn, a wolf hunter from 17th-century Ireland, meets a free-spirited girl named Mebh, whose tribe transforms into a wolf in their sleep. Faced with the choice between her familial loyalty and standing up for what she believes in, Robyn’s story teaches environmental awareness, empathy, and personal values. Rated PG.
3. Spirited Away (2001): In this animated film from Japan, Chihiro stumbles into a magical world where her parents are transformed into pigs. Then, she has to navigate their escape alone. Her journey through magical lands and creatures teaches resilience, internal strength, and remembering who you really are. Rated PG.
4. Hotel Transylvania (2012): Dracula runs a hotel for monsters, but what happens when a human happens to stumble inside? That’s what happens when Jonathan, a human traveller, finds the hotel and falls in love with Dracula’s daughter. The characters learn important lessons about acceptance and the beauty of differences. Rated PG.
5. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018): If your teens like Spider-Man, this is a charming movie for them to watch! Miles Morales meets many “Spider-Man” characters from a multiverse of worlds. They work together to take down the powerful villain threatening to destroy the multiverse. Through teamwork and embracing each other’s similarities and differences, the versions of Spider-Man come together to beat their opponent. Rated PG.
6. A Silent Voice (2016): Shoya Ishida, a student who formerly bullied a deaf classmate, finds that classmate years later. He grapples with the pain he caused, as well as his own loneliness and fear. This movie tackles mental health with a realistic portrayal of complex relationships. No official USA rating, though usually considered suitable for 12+.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Movie to Watch with Your Teen:

When choosing a movie to watch with your teenage kids, it’s important to think about a few things. First, make sure the movie is right for their age and maturity level. Check the rating and look out for any content that might not be okay for your family. Second, pick something that matches their interests, like action, comedy, or drama. Whether you’re in the mood for a comedy or a horror film, the right movie can offers a fun experience. Grab the popcorn, and pick your favorite from the list!